Natural edge bench

The wood is Mango for the legs and Monkeypod for the seat. Finish is 3 coats of west system and 2 coats of spar varnish ( I will have 6 coats of spar varnish when complete to protect the epoxy) The solid back leg is fluted and then attatched with a sliding dovetail, the front legs are shaped thru tenons. I like the live edge theme, but I wanted it to have an almost ancient carved from stone feel.It’s about 16” tall and 40 something inches long, Initially I had it 18” tall but once I got it together the little slab appeared to short and skinny, so cutting it down a couple inches was the only compromise I could come up with.

Thank you, Monkeypod is an introduced spieces here, the trees grown very well and they get very large, with a 4’ dia not uncommon. I have worked with a very similar wood for a cabinet project last year, that lumber came from costa rica, and it was called carribean koa, although it looks and behaves in much the same way as the local monkeypod. Delivered here in hawaii it was running about $7.20 to $8.00 a board foot and it was fairly good lumber. Now on the mainland I would think a guy could shave at least 2 to 3 $’s a board foot of that price. Also I’m not to sensitive to most saw dust, but the monkeypod dust does give me problems, so I have to wear a dust mask.

This is really nice bench. It is unique and quite interesting. I am beginning to really appreciate use of a natural edge. Before seeing posts like yous I would have simply cut off the “defect”. But leaving the edge alone adds a very nice detail to the piece. Your finishing job looks outstanding.

Thanks for the post.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

That is an incredible bench – I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. I’ve got to get some of that Monkey Pod. I have a friend that is into the Real Estate market pretty heavily in Costa Rica – wonder if he can get some shipped to me? We’ll see.

wow,What an eye for design and skill for execution. I have yet to see anything quite like your style. So often unique designs/styles are unique for uniques sake, and nothing but eye sores, to me anyway, but all of your stuff is of exceptional design and gorgeous conception. I wish I’d have thought of it : ) “you’ve got it Mister!” please keep them coming.